School Board Member Vanard Dawkins Dies

NEW BRITAIN — School board member Vanard A. ``Tony'' Dawkins, known for his work in the community, died Wednesday at age 57, town officials said.

The common council twice observed a moment of silence for Dawkins during its meeting Wednesday. The cause of death was not immediately available, but officials said Dawkins had recently become very ill.

Friends and colleagues remembered Dawkins, a Democrat who was elected to the school board in 2003, as a multitalented man who stood out for his work with New Britain and its African American community.

``He [is] truly going to be missed in the community,'' said council member Tonilynn Collins, who had known Dawkins since childhood.

His talents included singing, said Mayor Timothy T. Stewart, who described Dawkins as an outstanding community member and a gifted vocalist in town churches.

Some officials were surprised by the news of his death. ``I didn't realize he was that sick,'' Stewart said.